Tony Gale has blasted Fabian Balbuena for his “sluggish” defending in the build-up to Leicester’s first goal against West Ham in the 2-2 draw at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Jamie Vardy equalised for the Foxes in the 67th minute after a defensive lapse by Balbuena.
Sky Sports pundit Gale was thrilled with the quality of Vardy’s finish, but he was less than impressed by the Hammers’ Paraguayan centre-back.
“Sluggish from Balbuena, poor defending,” said Gale while commentating on the game, as shown by Goals on Sunday [Sky Sports Main Event, 11:36am].
“You’re in that space, you should be cutting it out.
“But what a finish [by Vardy]. Good cross, great touch because he’s gone beyond the near post, that’s difficult to steer on target. He does it really well.”
OPINION
It was a poor display by Balbuena on Saturday as West Ham’s defence – yet again – failed to cover themselves in glory. Manuel Pellegrini may have a lot of ins and outs to deal with in the summer transfer window, and it could be even more if he decides to revamp a defensive unit that has really disappointed at times this term. Balbuena has been the Irons’ best centre-back, but as shown on Saturday, even he can have a poor performance because he really should have done a lot better to stop Vardy from equalising for Leicester in the second-half. Harvey Barnes’ late goal to secure a 2-2 draw for the Foxes once again highlighted West Ham’s soft under-belly, which when exposed, can be ripped apart by some of the more talents attackers in the Premier League. If the Hammers want to finish seventh and put pressure on the top-six, they need a strong defence.